updated 02:50 pm EDT, Fri April 15, 2011

Cisco to begin shipping Cius tablet in April, May

The Cius business tablet introduced last June is now available for pre-order, Cisco announced on Friday. The seven-inch, Android-powered tablet can be ordered through a Cisco field agent or or resllers. The tablets will begin shipping towards the end of April and throughout May.

The device has strong videoconferencing features thanks to a front-facing camera that supports 720p video. A rear-facing, five-megapixel camera can capture still images and allows for streaming captured video. Video conferences can be started by pressing a single shortcut button, and the device docks into an office phone station. Ethernet and USB connections are present as well. Cisco supports its expected VPN and WebEx.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are integrated, with 3G optional, and a future 4G radio expected to be offered as well. Battery life lasts up to eight hours.